No problem with WSH: Maken
M.S.Unnikrishnan
Sports Minister Ajay Maken said his Ministry had no objection to the World Series Hockey (WSH), to be organized by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), from December 17 to January 22, as it was a professional venture, like many other leagues. He said the WSH was akin to professional leagues like the T20 Indian Premier League (IPL) and the World Series Boxing, and the Government had no objection to the holding of the WSH, though the Sports Authority of India will charge rental for stadiums under its control, including the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, on a commercial rate, as it would charge for any other corporate event.
Maken admitted that though the International Hockey Federation (FIH) recognizes only Hockey India, and only HI will be selecting the teams and coaches for international events, it had no issue with the IHF as far as holding of the WSH was concerned. “The Government should not get involved in it”, he stated categorically.
He, however, clarified that the Ministry will leave it to the national players and coaches contracted by the WSH whether to play in it or not. (The Sports Authority of India had recently declared that the players attending the national camp for the Olympic qualifiers, slated to be held in Delhi in February, will not be released to play in the WSH).
“We will leave that decision to the players and coaches”, Maken told The Tribune at the sidelines of a function to present cash awards to the medal winners of various international competitions.